Operation Soap Dish: Woodsy's Home Made Moonbase HQ

Yesterday I posted a job lot of Triang/Golden Astronaut Moonbase HQ modules. The urge to re-engage with these little gems has already been on the uptick and then Woodsy over at the Moonbase Central blog started a new project using found objects to make his own version! His "OPERATION SOAP DISH: MAKING A HOME-MADE TRI-ANG SPACEX MOONBASE HQ" from found objects is a creative little masterpiece. The series is still on-going and the link will take you to the first installment. For reference, here's what he's trying to replicate, Tri-Ang's Moonbase HQ:

These were made to accommodate 1/72 scale figures and I have posted nearly all of the Tri-Ang and subsequent Multiple Toymakers Golden Astronaut range of toys back in 2020.

Here's a shot of the in-work Computer Room Module Woodsy started the series with.

Courtesy: Moonbase Central blog

Sooo, where does this all lead? Heck if I know. Stay tuned to see what we all come up with. Enjoy! Opa Fritz

Triang SpaceX / Golden Astronaut Mobile Launch Pad (M.L.P.)

I hate to start a series off on a bad foot but the reality is, of all my SpaceX and Golden Astronaut series of toys, I'm missing three of the four original SpaceX toys in their packaging. Why? Because they either have been scarce or out of my price range when they did become available. Sooo, here's what I'll do: I'll post a photo or two of the Golden Astronaut version and provide links to photos of the SpaceX versions. What's the difference? Well, when Triang struck up its deal with Multiple Toymakers to distribute SpaceX toys here Statside, Multiple changed the colors and names of the vehicles to more better suit the American market.

The first series consists of the following:

EARTH BASE
16 Mobile Launching Pad
1 Tractor T5
2 Fork Lift 7
3 Helicopter P3

According to Paul Vreede's excellent website (which we've sort of been calling innformally 'SpaceX Central') the colors shown here for the gantry and mobile platform would be correct for the later SpaceX version however, the white rocket was only for the American Golden Astronaut line. The original SpaceX version of the Mobile Launch Pad would have had a blue platform, yellow-ish gantry, dark orange hammerhead crane, and green rocket. Both rockets have the peel-&-stick applique 'INTERPLANETARY 1'  in vertical letters on the side. The Golden Astronaut version also has a 'USA' applique.  You can also view more M.L.P. pics on Moonbase Central's blog.  Here's the breakdown is size:

MLP = 11 1/8" (28.25cm) high overall. 
Mobile platform = 4 7/8" (12.38cm) D x 3 3/8" (8.57cm) W  x 1 7/8" (4.76cm) H
Gantry = 9 1/2" (24.13cm) H w/crane
Rocket = 7" (17.78cm)  H x 1 1/2" (3.81cm) dia
Silver Dyna Soar Roket = 1 1/8" (2.85cm) L x 1 1/4" (3.17cm) wingspan

Enjoy! Opa Fritz

Here's an interesting pic of the MLP on the reverse of the MEV2 card

This shows a red gantry, yellow crane, and white rocket

Toys & Stuff Interview with Mike Burrows of Moonbase Central Now on Celtica Radio

Several weeks ago I had an interview via Skype with Mike Burrows (aka Scoop) over at Moonbase Central. He, along with Bill Bulloch (aka Wotan) and Paul Woods (aka Woodsy) are responsible for awakening my long buried interest in space toys. While they tend to focus on toys of the '60s and newer, my focus runs to toys a little bit older, but these were the toys of my youth and a big Many Thanx to you three for helping bring back the memories.

Anywho, Mike and I talked for three hours! about this and that but due to time limitations, only the first ca20 minutes are aired. Click on the Celtica radio link in the right column of the blog. Then in the left column of Celtica's site, click on 'podcasts'. The very first option you'll see is 'SWORDcast'. Click on it and listen. Enjoy!

Happy Anniversary Moonbase Central

It's seldom that I make two posts in one day but today is the 4th Anniversary over at Moonbase Central. Moonbase is a blog with heavy emphasis on space toys like Project S.W.O.R.D., Century 21, and SpaceX, all inspired by Gerry Anderson. But while the blog covers a lot of space related toys, many other things are covered as well. Happy Anniversary to Woodsy & Wotan! Click here to visit Moonbase Central